5 New Restaurants To Visit This Weekend

It’s finally Friday, which means it’s almost time to clock-off and get those weekend vibes started. No plans yet? No problem! Eater's here with a handy set of recommendations to assist in your dining destination decision-making. In this new regular feature, we'll help you discover recently-opened restaurants and uncover new-to-you bars and eateries (plus occasional menu debuts) specializing in everything from Friday happy hour cocktails through to Sunday brunch, so you can make the most of that well-earned downtime.

Gourmet Gallic Gastronomy: Bistro du Marché

After Tapenade’s move and redesign over the summer, executive chef and owner Jean-Michel Diot recently opened doors to his new art deco-inspired "bistronomie" concept, Bistro du Marché. Using ingredients sourced from La Jolla's weekly farmer's market the menu balances Tapenade favorites with brand-new dishes. Appetizers come cold (Spanish gazpacho), ‘a partager’ to share (mushroom ravioli), and hot (roasted black mission figs). While entrées are divided into ‘classics’ like Coq au Vin ($26), or ‘of the market’ such as the pan-seared duck breast ($32), or Branzino grilled ‘a la plancha’. Classic French pastries like pear feuillete and clafoutis aux pommes head the desserts, while Sami Saltagi’s cocktail list encompasses everything from Piper Heidsieck apertifs, to single malt Scotches, and the Courvoisier VS-based Paris Mule. 7437 Girard Ave. (858) 551-7500

[photo: Facebook]

Surf, Suds & A Slice: Mike Hess Brewing Ocean Beach

Courtesy of SD craft beer pioneer Mike Hess, OB's newest satellite tasting room opened doors and taps only three short weeks ago. The breezy brewhouse is currently serving up Grapefruit Solis, Jucundus Orange Honey Wheat, and Forty Acre IPA among other pours from its 25 beer handles. You can also pick up Vienna Cream Ale, San Diego IPA, and Kölsch-Style Beer in handy 16 oz 6-packs. While no food is available on-site, Surf Rider Pizza Cafe delivers whole pies ($16 - $21) every Wednesday: specialties include the O.B Deluxe (pepperoni, onions, green pepper, sausage), signature "Surf Rider" (roasted garlic, white sauce, tomatoes, fresh basil), and Traditional Hawaiian (Canadian bacon, pineapple). Other noteworthy eats, including OB Noodle House & Sake Bar, Not So Fast food truck, and BO-beau kitchen + bar, are just a few blocks away. 4893 Voltaire St. (619) 795-1095

[photo: Facebook]

Foosball With Friends: Soda & Swine

[photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

First-Rate French Fare: Bellamy's

Helmed by French Master Chef Patrick Ponsaty, Escondido’s prized gourmet gem recently unveiled a new fall dinner and dessert menu –– expect creatively designed plates using only the freshest of locally sourced ingredients. Renowned for celebrating farmers, foragers and fishermen, seasonal openers include foie gras torchon ($23), a porcini mushroom ravioli ($15), and charred local octopus ($16). Meat-focused mains include chicken, duck and lamb, plus a braised wild boar gratin ($32), and grilled venison chops with celery root puree and poached pear ($42). The roasted California squab butternut squash risotto ($39) makes up a lone vegetarian option. For desserts perhaps a pumpkin-orange crème brûlée ($12), Gateau Basque with lime-rosemary ice cream ($13), or chef’s selection of 5 chocolate bonbon "Loraschi" ($12) will tempt your tastebuds. 417 W. Grand Ave. (760) 747-5000

[photo: Facebook]

Game Day Digs: Social Tap

Thanks to new tenants Social Tap, the old Southpaw Social Club space now boasts a completely open floor plan allowing patrons views across to Petco Park and beyond from the front patio. With an emphasis on Southern California cuisine, their "scratch-made pub fare" covers everything from lunch and brunch (complete with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar), to dinner – there’s even a $6 kids menu. Featuring late night eats (tacos, nachos, burritos, brownies), plus a pretty tidy social hour which runs Monday – Friday, 3 - 6 p.m., and Sunday 4 p.m to close ($6 well martinis, $3.50 house wines, $5 wings, $8 cheeseburgers), it’s a great place to catch a game with the crew or just enjoy some East Village people watching. 815 J St. (619) 218-4000

[photo: Facebook]